Remember the immobilizing snowsuit that Ralphie’s little brother Randy wears in “A Christmas Story?”
Well, under the stage lights in the musical production, it’s so hot that Everett actor Brandon Oke, 10, has to wear ice packs under the suit just to get through the scene.
But Brandon is so happy to be in the show, he says he’ll just drink gallons of water.
In late 2010, “A Christmas Story: The Musical” premiered at the 5th Avenue Theatre before its debut run on Broadway.
“And now it’s home for the holidays,” said big-voiced, pint-sized Brandon.
Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre has earned a reputation as a “testing ground” for new musicals headed for New York City. The 5th launched such hits as “Jekyll &Hyde,” “Hairspray,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Shrek: The Musical,” “Memphis,” “Catch Me If You Can” and “Aladdin.”
Set in 1940 Indiana, “A Christmas Story” is about the bespectacled Ralphie, who has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas. He wants a Red Ryder BB gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.
“It’s a great family story,” Brandon said.
This production stars real-life husband and wife Dane Stokinger and Jessica Skerritt are the Old Man and Mother. Mark Jeffrey James Weber, who plays their son Ralphie, has become like a real-life brother to Brandon.
“Jeffrey helps me so much. He’s my role model. He shows me how to stay organized and what to do with my stuff, all the backstage things that are so important,” Brandon said. “And I love working with Jessica and Dane, my parents in the show. Dane is super funny. He would do anything to make an audience laugh.”
A fourth-grader at Penny Creek Elementary, Brandon is keeping up with his math and reading outside of class this quarter while attending long rehearsals and performing 41 shows.
On Friday, Brandon and his cast family will be part of the Macy’s Parade in downtown Seattle. Then they will spend several hours in rehearsal, attend a tree-lighting ceremony and perform a show in the evening.
It’s been a long process since Brandon was cast in the show earlier this fall.
“The first step is learning the music, then the staging and then you think you’ve got it,” Brandon said. “Then you have to get used to the costumes and the microphones. I don’t know if I will ever get used to the snowsuit. I am so nervous, but after the first show, I think I will be able to say ‘I got this.’ ”
His dad, Darren Oke, is Brandon’s manager, tutor and chauffeur.
A fan of musical theater, Oke has worked for several years directing musicals in local schools.
In 2012, Oke won the best director award from the 5th Avenue high school musical program for his work on “Seussical” at Glacier Peak High School. Brandon, his twin sister Kylie and his older sister Lauren had parts in the show.
“That’s when we found out that Brandon can sing,” said his dad.
In college, Darren Oke earned a minor in music and played in many pit orchestras for musical theater productions.
“But I never imagined I would be a director,” he said. “I am back in school this year earning my master’s degree in education at Northwest University. I don’t have a job this quarter, so I was able to let Brandon take on this project.”
Brandon receives a stipend for his appearance at the 5th Avenue. Most of it is going to cover expenses such as gas, parking and household needs because his mother, Pam Oke, a nurse, is the only one bringing in a regular income right now.
“But I get to have $500 of the money and I am going to buy myself an Xbox 360,” said Brandon with a big smile. “Being an actor right now is fine, but someday I am going to get married, study to be a veterinarian and have a farm with lots of animals.”
Glacier Peak freshman Kelsie Engen, 14, also is part of the children’s ensemble in “A Christmas Story.” She and Brandon have the same voice teacher, Lori Gilbert, whose studio is in Everett.
“A Christmas Story” is directed by Brandon Ivie, a graduate of the Village Theatre KidStage. The acclaimed Seattle-based director moved to New York City to serve as assistant director when the musical debuted on Broadway.
“Brandon (Ivie) is really cool,” young Brandon said. “We have the same first name, we have last names that are plants but aren’t spelled like those plants and we are twins. And when my dad won best director, Brandon was the one who presented the award. We have a lot of connections.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
“A Christmas Story, The Musical” plays through Dec. 30 at the 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. Tickets, starting at $29, are available online at www.5thavenue.org or by phone at 206-625-1900. Watch a rehearsal of “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana” below:
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